Tito Jackson, Legendary Jackson 5 Guitarist, Dies at 70

PEOPLE confirmed the news with Tito's nephew, Siggy Jackson.

Tito Jackson, one of the founding members of the legendary Jackson 5, passed away at the age of 70 on Sunday, Sept. 15.

According to initial reports from Entertainment Tonight, longtime Jackson family friend Steve Manning shared that Tito Jackson is believed to have suffered a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. Later, People magazine confirmed this news through Tito’s nephew, Siggy Jackson. However, the official cause of death has not yet been determined.

Born on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, as Toriano Adaryll Jackson, Tito played a key role in the Jackson family's music legacy. Along with his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, he was part of The Jackson 5, a group that gained massive popularity in the 1960s.

Tito’s rhythm guitar and the group’s harmonies helped them rise to fame, leading to their signing with Motown Records in 1968. Their debut hit, “I Want You Back,” quickly climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, followed by other chart-topping singles like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There.”

While Michael often stole the spotlight, Tito’s consistent musicianship and presence were crucial to the group’s success. The Jackson 5’s first album, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5 (1969), was the start of their celebrated career, with several songs becoming cultural touchstones.

In the 1970s, after leaving Motown, the group changed their name to The Jacksons. Tito continued to tour and record with his brothers into the 1980s, contributing to successful albums such as Destiny and Triumph, both of which did well on the Billboard 200 and R&B charts.

Outside of The Jackson 5, Tito pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album, Tito Time, in 2016. His single “Get It Baby” peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart.

Tito’s death follows those of his younger brother, Michael Jackson, in 2009, and their father, Joe Jackson, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. Michael’s unexpected passing in 2009 from acute propofol intoxication stunned the world, and his status as the King of Pop continues to be a significant part of music history.

Tito is survived by his three sons, Taj, Taryll, and TJ, who formed the musical group 3T, as well as his grandchildren. His ex-wife, Delores “Dee Dee” Martes, passed away in 1994.